Examining Lethal Autonomous Weapons through the Lens of International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

Technological growth and advancement, coupled with the advent and expansion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has brought about the invention of products that facilitate and enhance human life. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning have permeated virtually all sectors of the world and have received both positive and negative feedbacks. Undoubtedly, the human race is yet to keep up with the accelerating expansion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Artificial Intelligence being a subset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is packed with enormous benefits which shall be accrued to participating states, and one of these benefits is the Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) otherwise known as Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) or “killer robots”. Since the inception of LAWs, researchers, lawyers, IT experts, and scientists have opposed its adoption, urging the international community to impose strict laws on states utilising it. The invention of AI programmed weapons is not the subject matter of contention, rather, the ground for opposition is the “autonomy” granted to the weapons. These machines can function without human oversight and are programmed to be unpredictable. International Humanitarian Law opposes the use of weapons that pose threats to the civilian population, of which LAWs is inevitably a part of. LAWs defile ethical and legal positions. These weapons are so accurate and swift that they can destroy hundreds of humans in a couple of minutes and countries in possession of these machines could use them without recourse to the victims. This research work investigates the threats and risks posed by Lethal Autonomous Weapons to the Society. It analyses International law provisions in respect to LAWs and feasible measure to curb the use of LAWs across the globe.